I just found out I am pregnant again. My youngest just turned 1 last month, and I'm a bit nervous about being pregnant again and having 2 so close in age. I'm scared I will not be able to manage a newborn and a young toddler together. This pregnancy was a bit of a surprise, but a blessing, none the less. I just went back to work after a year at home. I have been pumping once a day and breastfeeding mornings and a couple times after 6pm and throughout the night. I'm finding that my milk supply is slowly but surely diminishing. Could this be due to pregnancy or just the unusual amount of stress with the new job, placing my son in childcare, and the news of our pregnancy? I would greatly appreciate any advice on coping or anyone with similar experiences. Also, I've only had 1 period about 2 months or so ago. It lasted about 2 weeks, and was unusually heavy. I see the Dr. next week. Will they calculate my estimated due date by my menstrual cycle or by ultrasound? Since I'm still breastfeeding, I'm not sure how they figure all that???? Thank you for any input!
Hi,
I think you're in the same position I was a year ago! I got pregnant with my third child when my son was 9 months old. I also had an 8 year old. I can tell you that sometimes it can be a little bit of a challenge, but most days it's amazing. Good luck to you, and enjoy!
N.:
as you put so well your milk reduction could well be due to any of the factors....
relax... try to enjoy each moment for what it is.... you can continue to bf your youngest... the nurturance continues even as the milk diminishes.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
I was pregnant or nursing for 5 1/2 years -- I have three boys and they are each exactly 20 months apart. I found out I was pregnant with my second one 2 weeks after my first stop nursing and turned a year old. My third pregnancy came when my second was 13 months old -- he stopped nursing and I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later -- shocked at the third pregnancy. It is a great gap! I didn't have any jealousy issues and I started potty training one month after each started walking so by the time the next was born, we were well on our way to no diapers. At 20 months or so apart they are independent enough to give you your space to care for the newborn. Mine are now 7 1/2, 6 and 4 -- all boys, similar interests and get along well -- I attribute it to their closeness in age. Good luck!
I got preg when my son was 16 month old and still nursing. I continued to nurse him until week 25 of the pregnancy without much trouble - we were down to 2-3x/day when I conceived. Lots of women lose their milk during 2ns trimester - as your supply diminishes you can either try and wean or could try and maintain it (I hear "more milk too" works) - esp if you're considering tandem nursing. I* actually never had a period btwn pregs but had good dates from charting temps. We confirmed dates with ultrasound - they can get it within a few days if they do an early u/s, which is what your doc will probably suggest. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!
I found out that I was pregnant with #2 when my son was 14 months old. I weaned him over the next week. (He was ready and thankfully was sleeping all night.) I was also working and I knew that my body couldn't take nursing and being pregnant.
My kids are now 7 1/2 and 5 1/2+. (They're 21 months apart, she came early.) Your son will never really remember life without his younger sibling, and I found that adding the new baby was really not a big issue since he was so young...I cuddled and quietly played with him the same way I had when I was pregnant. My 2 are very close and have played together since my daughter was old enough to play. They entertain each other and I don't think it would have been nearly as easy to parent them in their preschool years if I had had to entertain them each on their own. (I have a friend whose kids are 4 years apart, her oldest is the same age as my youngest. Her oldest was very needy and always wanted to play with Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. My 2 like to play with Mommy but also like to play with each other...probably more than with Mommy.
Congruatulations and good luck! You have a lot on your plate right now!
I think they might estimate by the last period, but the ultra sound will confirm or may change the date. I find the dates are usually around the same time. But the Ultra sound will be more accurate.
Well N.. i found out i was pregnant with my second child (ended up being another girl) when my daughter was 13 months old. I found out last july. i was still nursing in he morning and before bed. My supply was starting to decrease because of the solid food introduction and the complete 3 meals aday. i stopped nursing and everything worked out great. My daughters are both happy and healthy. the youngest one is 4 months old. it is not as difficult with two as one would think. in my opinion, the older one was just old enough to help, but not too old to regress. She loves her sister and loves helping and playing with her. You will be fine. Keep up the positive thinking, dont stress out! your kids just may be closer because of it! good luck!
N.,
Been there done that and believe me, I understand how frightening it is. My oldest son had just turned 1 the month before my next son was born. They are 13 months apart. I was absolutely terrified that I would be overwhelmed. Admittedly, for some time after my middle guy was born, it was a little hairy. But we all survived it and my two oldest boys are very close. (they are now 10 & 9) There will be rough patches, but you'll make it! There were times it was nice having them so close, they went through stages together. Just remember to prepare your little one well for the new addition they will have and how much fun it will be for them. (make sure you let your now youngest help in little ways that are safe.) It's very important.
If you ever need to talk, I'm usually around. I don't post often, but I do read a lot.
Good luck to you! and trust me, it will be fun and such a different experience! Hang on, it's a wild ride!!!!!!
M.
